Chicago Fire / 1871
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Chicago Fire / 1871
At Chicago, this picture shows citizens trying to escape by way of the Ike Randolph Street Bridge
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 4338429
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10135867
1871 Accidents Chicago Citizens Crowds Escape Fires Flames Fleeing Randolph Streaming
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative image captures the chaos and desperation that engulfed Chicago during the Great Fire of 1871. The photograph, taken from a vantage point overlooking the Chicago River, shows citizens frantically trying to escape the inferno by crossing the Ike Randolph Street Bridge. The bridge, a crucial escape route, is packed with people and animals, all streaming towards safety. The bridge's wooden planks are visibly warped and charred from the intense heat, adding to the sense of urgency and danger. In the background, flames and smoke billow from the city, illuminating the night sky with an eerie, orange glow. The fire, which began on October 8, 1871, quickly spread, destroying over 2,000 acres and leaving 100,000 people homeless. The cause of the fire remains a mystery, but it is believed that it may have started in a barn owned by Patrick and Catherine O'Leary. Despite the danger and confusion, the citizens of Chicago showed remarkable resilience and determination in the face of disaster. They banded together to help one another, forming human chains to carry the elderly and infirm to safety. The fire department, despite being understaffed and underfunded, worked tirelessly to contain the blaze and save as many lives as possible. This powerful photograph is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the people of Chicago and their ability to come together in times of crisis. It is a poignant reminder of the city's rich history and the importance of community in the face of adversity.
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